CHEPSTOW RFC return to pre-season training this week with a number of major issues to resolve.

The club is searching for a captain following the retirement of flanker Alan Franklin and may also need a new first team coach.

Ill health means that current coach Phil Smith is likely to take a step back this season but the club is still waiting to find out if he will be able to continue his involvement at all.

Last year's vice-captain Shane Reece said: "Everything is a bit up in the air at the moment and until we sit down and have a chat before training we won't know exactly what's happening.

"Alan has decided to stop playing because of work commitments so there will definitely be a new captain but we are waiting to find out what Phil wants to do. Either he will take a bit of a step back and one of the players like Andrew Morris who has their coaching badges will help out or we may need to find a new coach altogether."

Chepstow have had three new players taking part in light training sessions over the summer but Shane said it was unlikely that any new signings would be made until the roles of coach and captain are sorted out.

The club is also still waiting for final confirmation of the league structure for next season although it appears likely they will play in a newly-created division after Pontypool RFC lost its case against the WRU's decision to relegate them.

Chepstow RFC are now training every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7pm at the rugby club in Western Avenue, Bulwark. New players are welcome.